Holy crap, I’m a college graduate!
On May 16th, I listened as the Provost of my college announced my name, and I knew it was my turn. Don’t fall, Natasha, don’t fall… was all I could think as I excitedly glided across the stage to meet the president of my college, shake his hand, and receive my diploma.
Oh my gosh, I’m done! I did it! After four short years, I received my bachelors in Business and Entrepreneurship from Wells College. I am still in shock that I will not be returning to Wells but I would not trade my time there for the world. Wells helped me expand my mind, educated me on feminism, a subject I have become incredibly passionate about, and gave me connections and friendships that will last a lifetime. For that, I am eternally grateful for that tiny, tiny school.
On the very last day of Finals Week, I had my Senior Thesis presentation; the very last thing that stood in my way.
Then, after reluctantly going first, and the twenty minute presentation later, I WAS DONE! Which meant:
Leading up to graduation, Seniors had a week of events. This included an American themed dance, bar hopping in Ithaca, a trip to the Turning Stone Casino, (where I gambled for the first time ever on a super risky penny slot) and a Semi Formal dance. They also opened our brand new, on-campus pub! (It’s a big deal, okay?)
Follow me on Snapchat for more fun videos of me singing and eating things. (@natashakirkland)
My best friend Annie and I also toured MacKenzie-Childs since it’s located right in our college town of Aurora, NY. (Yes, we found a place to take a mirror selfie, of course.) Let me tell you, that place is mesmerizing, and you’ll leave wanting to fill your entire house with Courtly Check everything. (Socks count too, okay?)
I decided to dress up a romper for Semi Formal because I wanted to do something a bit different than just another dress. The low, lacy back is my favorite part of this romper, which is why I put my hair in a slick, low pony tail. I found this lip color in the back of my lipstick drawer and I cannot believe I have never used it before. This dark, wine color tied together my dramatic eye makeup and slicked back hair. The best part? I’m pretty certain I received this as a free birthday gift from Sephora. Holla!
The day before graduation, Pitch Perfect 2 came out and some of the girls from my a cappella group and I went to see it. If you didn’t know, I was a member of an all-female a cappella group called the Whirligigs at Wells since I was a freshman, and director of the group for the past two and a half years. So, needless to say, we take Pitch Perfect very seriously. The sequel hit WAY too close to home with them being seniors. …Of course, I didn’t cry, who told you that?
All week, I was checking the weather; hoping and praying that it did not rain on graduation morning. Thankfully, we had a warm, spring morning. A bit cloudy, but hey, it did not rain so I will not complain. The traditional stage coach ride on the morning before the ceremony was just lovely and gave me all of the Cinderella feels.
My parents, grandparents, and best friends all were my personal photographers for the day. Collectively, they probably took over 1000 photos of me the entire morning; is this how Kim Kardashian feels?
I was even hooded by a Whirligig alum!
Graduating High School or College is a huge accomplishment for anyone. Those 8am classes, those midnight cram sessions when you decided that Netflix was a better use of your day; all those years of hard work finally pays off when they announce your name and you walk across that stage to receive your diploma. But, do not forget to thank your family and friends, without who I know I couldn’t have done it. Graduates of 2015, you should be incredibly proud of yourselves. Congratulations!
Xo,
Nat
